Plastic Surgeons welcome Medical Board cosmetic surgery guidelines

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons welcomes consultation on draft guidelines for cosmetic, medical and surgical procedures proposed by the Medical Board of Australia today.

“The guidelines which include cooling off periods, psychological assessments for under 18s, and clear guidance on informed patient consent, are consistent with measures the Society has been calling for over a number of years and echoes guidelines already embedded in our own Code of Practice, says ASPS President, Dr Tony Kane.

“Our number one priority is patient safety, and the Society has long been concerned that there is a general view in the community that cosmetic surgery is trivial surgery. This is not the case. Any invasive, surgical procedure whether it be cardiac or cosmetic involves a potential risk and should be taken very seriously,” says Dr Kane.

“Limits on where cosmetic procedures can be performed are are welcomed as are guidelines regarding mandatory face-to-face consultations before prescribing schedule 4 (prescription only) cosmetic injectables.”

“We have been concerned by the lack of regulation of cosmetic procedures including regulation about equipment and sterilising as well as accreditation of premises and the qualifications of the practitioners,” says Dr Kane.

“We have also been disturbed by reports about the lack of protection for minors,” says Dr Kane.

“Safety and protection for consumers of cosmetic procedures is not only the responsibility of the Medical Board. It is an obligation that all medical practitioners take very seriously,” he said.

About ASPS

Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Inc (ASPS) is the peak body for Specialist Plastic Surgeons (both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery). Our main role is to protect the integrity of Plastic Surgery as a specialty. Our mission is to provide the highest quality plastic surgery care to all Australians.